You’ll see shrines and temples everywhere in Bali, because they are an integral part of Balinese life. Every house, village, even business has one. Balinese may call themselves Hindus, but the locals tell me that their beliefs are a mixture of Hindu, Buddhism, and the animist religion that was on the island before the arrival of the former religions.
This shrine was in one corner of our hotel. The staff studiously left offerings there every day.
Before Christmas BB and I took a break in Bali. Not coastal Bali, mind you. I have been before and know how hectic that can be. We headed for the cooler, verdant hills, where aside from the hotel’s guests, there wasn’t another tourist in sight.
A little more of the twisting road to go, and we were down on the plains. What a road, what scenes!
Thanks for journeying to the Barrington Tops with me. It really is a lovely place to visit.
It might be a few days until I start posting the next series… Please be patient! In the meantime, hope you have a happy 2011.
At last, we catch a glimpse of the plains beyond.
As with the eastern side of the Tops, the western side was also wonderfully green.
It was however the shifting light that made the scene extra special.
The road down to Scone was narrow and winding – but spectacular.
We drove across the Barrington Tops plateau along a bumpy road, past some more state forests, until we reached the other side. Below were more hills and plains beyond…
I’m back from my holiday! Hope you all had a great Christmas Day.
But back to the Barrington Tops. Today, we come to Thunderbolt’s Lookout proper. As you can see, you can see for miles from up here.
Aside from the view, I was also drawn to the hardy trees, standing and fallen, and the moss and lichen that grow on almost everything.
We’re in the Barrington Tops National Park proper now, making our way to Thunderbolts Lookout.
Captain Thunderbolt (otherwise known as Fred Ward), was a bushranger who roamed the Hunter Valley-New England area in the 1860’s, robbing his way into history until one day he was allegedly killed by the police. Others say that it was his uncle who was killed, and that Fred and his mum made a quick getaway to Canada where he lived till a ripe old age.
I can imagine Fred and his merry gang resting in this quiet, sheltered glen. Can you?
I’ll be away on holidays for a little while, and will finish this series when I return.
Showing you just how brutal nature can be up on the plateau.
Static and Silence 